Radiation Biology, Genomic Instability and Cellular Communication

About us

Research in our group focuses on the investigation into non-targeted effects (NTE) of radiation exposure. These effects include delayed effects of radiation, i.e. genomic instability (GI) and bystander effects (BE). A topical issue in the field, at present, is elucidating the mechanisms of long-term health effects from low radiation exposures.

The group’s work focuses on understanding the exact mechanisms underlying radiation-induced genomic instability in irradiated, as well as un-irradiated cells (bystander cells), both in vivo and in vitro human and mouse model system by determining the influence of radiation quality and dose, individual genetic differences, cellular microenvironment signalling molecules such as Microvesicles (MV)/exosomes, cytokines, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and soluble proteins.

On a wider scale, our research contributes to helping identify practical health and risk implications, e.g. the ageing process, initiation and progression of cancer, environmental, occupational and medical risks of radiation exposure.

Discovery of x-ray

Research impact

Research group logo

The impact of our related investigations can be summarised in the following areas:

  1. Improved understanding of biological effects of radiation leads to better practices with applications of radiation in a biological setting such as:
    • radiotherapy and radio-diagnostics
    • occupational workers
    • space exploration
  2. Developing biomarkers for radiation protection and radiotherapy /oncology
  3. Potential deployment in public health setting for healthier society.

Leadership

Munira Kadhim

Professor Munira Kadhim

Professor in Radiation Biology

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Membership

Staff

Name Role Email
Professor John Harrison Visiting Professor jharrison@brookes.ac.uk
Dr Seda Tuncay Cagatay Post Doctoral Research Assistant stuncay-cagatay@brookes.ac.uk

Our research themes

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